Ruhan Nel Full Profile, Career, Teams & Achievements

Bottom Line: Ruhan Nel stands as one of South Africa’s most versatile rugby talents, having achieved success in both sevens and fifteens rugby, including World Rugby Sevens Series titles and Currie Cup glory.

Adriaan Ruhan Nel, born on 17 May 1991 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is a dynamic rugby union player who has made his mark in both the sevens and fifteens formats of the game. Standing at 1.91 meters (6 feet 3 inches) and weighing 101 kg, Nel currently plays as a centre for the Stormers in Super Rugby and Western Province in the Currie Cup.

Early Career and Youth Development

Nel’s journey to professional rugby was unconventional. Unlike many of his peers, he never played Craven Week or A league provincial u-19 rugby, instead getting his breakthrough after playing for a losing Wits team in the Varsity Cup. He initially played for the Pumas U19 side in the 2010 Under-19 Provincial Championship and represented UP Tuks in club rugby.

Nel signed for the Golden Lions in 2012, making his first-class debut in the Vodacom Cup against the Blue Bulls. However, after limited success in establishing himself in the fifteens game during his time with the Lions from 2012 to 2014, Nel made a pivotal career decision that would define his rugby legacy.

Sevens Rugby Excellence

Nel’s transition to sevens rugby began when he was named one of the three top players of the Varsity Cup tournament, leading to a call from Marius Schoeman, manager of the Sevens Academy. He was included in the South African Sevens team for the 2014 Gold Coast Sevens leg of the 2014–15 IRB Sevens World Series, marking the start of an illustrious sevens career.

Nel became a key member of the South African Sevens team, representing his country with 147 appearances and scoring 247 points. He was a veteran of 30 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments for the Blitzboks and was a Springbok tourist in 2018.

His most significant achievement in sevens came when the Blitzboks won the 2016/17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with Nel playing a crucial role in their championship success. The team also won bronze at the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, adding to Nel’s impressive medal collection.

Return to Fifteens Rugby

After establishing himself as a sevens star, Nel made the strategic decision to return to the fifteens format. He joined Western Province in 2017, earning 36 appearances and scoring 35 points, while also becoming a vital member of the Stormers since 2019 with 39 appearances and 40 points.

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Nel’s transition back to fifteens proved immediately successful when he helped Western Province win the Currie Cup, adding a Currie Cup winner’s medal to his collection of sevens achievements. His impressive performances caught the attention of national selectors.

Springbok Recognition

In 2018, Nel received his first call-up to the Springbok squad for the Rugby Championship home matches against Australia and New Zealand. Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, praised Nel’s inclusion, noting his international experience with the Blitzboks and consistent performances for Western Province.

Personal Character and Community Impact

Beyond his on-field achievements, Nel has demonstrated remarkable character off the field. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized a charity raffle of his match-worn jerseys to support a missionary and feeding scheme in Cape Town, showing his commitment to giving back to the community.

Nel comes from a rugby family, with his brother Jacques Nel also making a name for himself in the sport, contributing to their family’s legacy in South African rugby.

Current Status and Legacy

Nel continues to excel in his rugby career, representing both the Stormers in Super Rugby and Western Province in domestic competitions. His unique achievement of winning major titles in both sevens and fifteens rugby places him among the rare players who have reached the pinnacle of success in both formats.

His journey from an unheralded university player to international rugby star exemplifies determination and adaptability, making him one of South Africa’s most respected rugby figures. Nel’s story continues to inspire young players, proving that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success in professional rugby.

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